Reaganite Realism should Guide Foreign policy

Reaganite Realism should Guide Foreign policy

This article which is written by Richard V Alien (Reagan’s national security advisor) emphasizes on Reagan policies toward US strategic problems and compares these policies with Bush’s. Most important theory during Cold War which Reagan believed in was “we win, they lose”. This theory might seem very simple but this refers to Reagan’s capacity to explain solution in an understandable terms and his willingness to use others’ idea however he had fixed and defined principles. Reagan believed that man can do whatever he wants and there is no limitation for him, but contrary Reagan did not believe that the use of military power and overt force could resolve every problem, particularly the strategic problems.

If consider Bush and Reagan characteristics and policies we find some differences and similarities:

Most highlighted difference between them is that Reagan paid much more attention to public will and tried to explain to people and get their consensus which Bush Administration lacks.

Reagan policies more focused on practicing diplomatic efforts rather than just military action.

As before mentioned Reagan was eager to listen to others advises and criticism. He had bipartisan approach to domestic and foreign challenges unlike Bush who do not welcome criticism and advises and do not change his war. Reagan was a “Great Communicator”.Regarding similarity between them there is a lot of Reagan in George Bush and Bush enthusiasts in 2000 and 2004 events. So Reagan would have struck at the Taliban in Afghanistan too.